Former Swimming Pool site on Crow Lane

The date for determining the future of this site with Aldi's detailed application for a store and outline planning permission for 40 units of housing was postponed to 14th January 2009 from the previously announced 17th November 2008. Two days before the hearing on the 14th Aldi withdrew the housing application in the face of a recommendation for outright rejection by the planners. At the public hearing on 14th January the application was approved by all members of the Planning Committee after the Chairman proposed the following additional requirements:

1. “The Committee fully expects Aldi to deliver on their welcome offer to financially aid a sustainable community transport option.”

2. A plastic recycling point to be provided.

3. A scheme for CCTV surveillance of the site and public road adjacent to the site must be submitted to and approved by the Council. The approved scheme must be implemented before the store opens.

Community transport

Following the planning approval for the Aldi store on Crow Lane, have committed to providing a total of £12,000 towards a 3-year scheme to fund a 3 year lease of a 12-seat mini bus. The bus will have ramp access and serve the areas of Henbury and Brentry over 3 - 4 mornings each week. The service will be operated by Lawrence Weston Community Transport from the date the store is open. It is envisaged that the route will include all existing retail areas in Brentry and Henbury including, of course, the Aldi store. The next step is a survey to confirm the likely number of users and optimum route.

If you have suggestions about the route and take up please go to the Community Council Board, http://henburybrentrycommunity.org.uk/, and leave a comment under the Community Transport category.